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The 2015 National Championship is shaping up to be some of the best netball played in the country this year. In what may be seen as one of the most hotly contested national championships in years, 3 teams will be looking to take the title at the newly opened Netball Central, NSW’s new home of netball.

Team Preview: New South Wales

New South Wales enter the championship with a new coach in former Australian Sonix player Heath Brown and a desire to reach the final match for the first time in 10 years. After going down in extra time to Victoria last year, Brown will look to bring his on-court experience and knowledge to take the light blues to the 2015 title.

Veteran mid-courter Valance Horne will be aiming to guide the blues to the final. With impeccable timing and his calm demeanour he’ll look for help from his young midcourt counterparts which includes the return of impressive youngster Tyson Allen after a solid debut in the Open division last year and defender Adam Slattery.

Australian Goaler Stephen Philpot will be looking to continue his progress in recent years as a player to watch up front as he combines with talented basketballer Pat Pilae. Defender Roger Quayle is back, looking to keep his impressive combination with Aiden Kelly after a stellar Trans-Tasman tour in October.

Also entering the Australian nationals for the first time are Cameron Powell and Kruze Tangira from New Zealand whilst the return of Dave McKibbons and Ben Dunn means all players will be fighting for a spot in the starting line-up.

Team Preview: Victorian Cyclones

After Victoria suffered its first runner up finish in 7 years they have opted to call upon their youth to add a new look to the 2015 Cyclone squad. A new leadership team including the return of former Sonix defenders, the always challenging Wil Jamison in the Co-Captain and strong utility James Matthew in the Vice Captaincy, the big V squad certainly look more versatile and fresh.

Trans-Tasman MVP and Co-Captain Daniel Cooke will look to control the goaling circle as he opens up the court with his creativity, vision and hands while Merrow Clough is beginning to cement himself as the toughest defender in the country with his big leap and athletic groundwork. 18 Year Old Brodie Roberts enters the 2015 squad

Tim Walker will be looking to impose himself under the post after his debut in the Open division in 2014 as Victoria welcomes Riley Richardson, Tim Malmo and James Robertson to the experience midcourt of Adam Boldiston and the dynamic Andrew Simons.

Team Preview: Queensland Suns

Defending Champions Queensland will go into the 2015 championships as favourite after returning with a virtually unchanged squad from last year. Junior Levi will continue to dominate the Queensland circle for the Suns frontline as he continues to impress with his height, movement and athleticism.

Defenders Caleb Meredith, Glenn Ormesher and Col Gray will continue their tireless work over in front of the circle as a fitter Fraser Lowrie will be out to prove how valuable he is in the Queensland defensive line. Gary Pashen and Simon Lam return to the mid-court as they bring a steady drive, defensive strength and experience to the Suns.

Don’t miss out!

With mouth-watering matchups, speed and athleticism ensure an intense encounter and fight for the win in every match. No love is lost in each and every encounter and you won’t be missing a thing at these Easter Championships.

With the first Open Men’s clash only two days away between last year’s grand finalists, Victoria and Queensland, if you haven’t already booked your tickets to Sydney, you stand to miss some of the finest netball Australia has to offer.

The first game of the Open Men’s division takes place at 1:45pm this Sunday. For full details, please see our fixture.